LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – For the second time in as many months, Las Vegas City Marshals are facing a civil rights lawsuit over a traffic stop.
ACLU of Nevada said the nonprofit is representing Lance Downes-Covington. The suit claims he was unlawfully stopped, arrested and assaulted by a Las Vegas deputy marshal.
FOX5 obtained the lawsuit. It states Downes-Covington’s fourth amendment of unreasonable search and seizure was violated April 29, 2023.
The incident started around 11 p.m. near Simmons and Holly Avenue. According to the lawsuit, Downes-Covington was heading home when a police light started flashing behind him.
During this stop, the lawsuit claims a marshal drew a handgun, made threats with a stun gun, and slammed him to the ground. Downes-Covington was transported to the Las Vegas Detention Center where he would be referred to UMC for his pain.
Marshals cited him for not stopping at a stop sign or emergency lights and obstructing and resisting. Downes-Covington would hire a private attorney and eventually have the charges dropped.
The plaintiff accuses the City of Las Vegas’ deputy marshals of negligent training and supervision, intentional infliction of emotional distress, battery and assault, false arrest and imprisonment, and violation of the constitution.
The plaintiff is seeking about $1 million for damages and the costs for the suit and attorneys. Downes-Covington claims he suffers migraines since the incident and requires medical treatment, counseling and medication.
“This case goes beyond an unlawful stop and arrest. It’s about ensuring law enforcement agencies in Nevada operate within the legal limits of their authority and do not exercise powers they simply do not have,” said ACLU of Nevada executive director, Athar Haseebullah. “No one should have to fear being violently assaulted by law enforcement, but especially by officers who have no authority to stop anyone in the first place. We will not allow government actors to exceed their legal boundaries at the expense of Nevadans’ constitutional rights, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue justice for our client and others impacted by the Las Vegas marshals’ misconduct.”
FOX5 asked the City of Las Vegas for a statement. Officials provided the following:
The city of Las Vegas is aware of the lawsuit recently filed against the Deputy City Marshals. Because this matter is now pending litigation, the city is limited in what it can discuss publicly at this time. The city takes all allegations of civil rights violations seriously and remains committed to transparency and accountability. The City Attorney’s Office will respond to the allegations through the appropriate legal channels.
The ACLU is asking anyone who believes they may have been involved in an unlawful traffic stop involving Las Vegas City Marshals to contact them. You can reach out at [email protected]
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